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Head-to-head · Small Business Payroll Software

Sage Payroll vs Paylocity

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Sage Payroll #4 in Small Business Payroll Software 8.9/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Sage
Paylocity #7 in Small Business Payroll Software 8.6/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Paylocity

Sage Payroll leads on 0 checks, Paylocity on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSage Payroll · 8.9/10

Sage Payroll scores higher on our rubric for small business payroll software: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

Sage Payroll is the better fit for UK small businesses needing payroll and workforce tools. Paylocity is the better fit for small firms prioritizing mobile workforce management.

  • Sage Payroll fits best

    UK small businesses needing payroll and workforce tools

  • Paylocity fits best

    Small firms prioritizing mobile workforce management

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Sage Payroll 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Paylocity 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.6
Ranking #4 in Small Business Payroll Software #7 in Small Business Payroll Software
Best for UK small businesses needing payroll and workforce tools Small firms prioritizing mobile workforce management
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — Pricing on request
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs · 24/7 Phone, Docs
Integrations 3 integrations 350+ integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Sage Payroll 0/3 · Paylocity 0/3
Tax filing included Not checked yet Not checked yet
Direct deposit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Employee self-service Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Pay frequencies Not checked yet Not checked yet
Worker pay types Not checked yet Not checked yet
Payroll runs Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Calculates PAYE, National Insurance and pensions, and submits RTI to HMRC
  • Employee self-service provides payslips and P60s
  • Higher plans add timesheets, clocking and shift scheduling
  • Mobile access for employees, supervisors, administrators, and executives
  • Combines time tracking, time off, onboarding, and performance workflows
  • Marketplace integrations and developer APIs support connected systems
Cons
  • There is no free plan
  • Shift scheduling is included only with Payroll Premium
  • Supports up to 150 employees
  • Pricing is customized and requires contacting sales
  • No public plan tiers to compare before a sales conversation
  • Payroll processing and tax filing are not specified in the feature list
Our verdict

Sage Payroll is cloud-based payroll software for UK start-ups and growing businesses that need to manage pay, statutory deductions and HMRC submissions. It calculates wages, PAYE, National Insurance and pension contributions, then supports…

Read the review →

Paylocity brings payroll-related employee self-service together with HR, workforce management, and talent tools in a cloud platform. It is aimed at organizations ranging from small businesses to enterprises, with a particular fit for small…

Read the review →
  1. Sage PayrollSmall Business Payroll Software 8.9Paid
  2. PaylocitySmall Business Payroll Software 8.6Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Sage Payroll — where it wins

    • Calculates PAYE, National Insurance and pensions, and submits RTI to HMRC
    • Employee self-service provides payslips and P60s
    • Higher plans add timesheets, clocking and shift scheduling

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan
    • Shift scheduling is included only with Payroll Premium
    • Supports up to 150 employees

  • Paylocity — where it wins

    • Mobile access for employees, supervisors, administrators, and executives
    • Combines time tracking, time off, onboarding, and performance workflows
    • Marketplace integrations and developer APIs support connected systems

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing is customized and requires contacting sales
    • No public plan tiers to compare before a sales conversation
    • Payroll processing and tax filing are not specified in the feature list
  • Sage Payroll8.9/10 · Paid

    UK payroll with HMRC submissions, employee self-service and workforce tools.

    Visit SageFull verdict →
  • Paylocity8.6/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad workforce platform for small firms that value mobile access and employee self-service.

    Visit PaylocityFull verdict →

More comparisons

All small business payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update